Here are my sketches from March 1st. Both sketches were through the 10" from a site on the Orange/Red zone border.

I've always viewed M82 at low power with M81 in the FOV, but seeing Howard's spectacular sketch of M82 through a large scope prompted me to try throwing some magnification at the galaxy. At x280 M82 took on a highly lumpy appearance, I think this is what people call "mottling."

Attached Files

This is my first observation of M109, one of the most difficult Messier objects. At x133 I perceived the bright central bar with a possible extension surrounded by a very faint halo. I want to try this one again from a dark site.

Attached Files

Here are my sketches from March 1st. Both sketches were through the 10" from a site on the Orange/Red zone border.

I've always viewed M82 at low power with M81 in the FOV, but seeing Howard's spectacular sketch of M82 through a large scope prompted me to try throwing some magnification at the galaxy. At x280 M82 took on a highly lumpy appearance, I think this is what people call "mottling."

Now you're talking! I think you're seeing a bit more than mottling in M82 as that's generally used to describe barely seen non-uniformness. From your sketch it looks like you're seeing real detail.

Your M109 sketch is equally good and I suspect you'll see significantly more from a dark site.